Mobile multi network instant messenger and VoIP client Nimbuzz lets you chat and call on Skype, does voice calls with almost every VoIP service that handles standard SIP calls, and connects to AIM, GoogleTalk, Jabber, MSN, and Yahoo for chats, file transfers, and voice chats too.

The big orange icon is ugly as ever: an eyesore in your menu and on your active standby screen. But the program did improve. The new Nimbuzz version 1.0 has a slightly altered menu structure, a few more preconfigured SIP providers (did they pay Nimbuzz for the exposure?), and offline chat options for more networks than before.

But the number one reason to update your copy of Nimbuzz: it's power consumption has gone down a bit, so your battery lasts a little longer.

For the time being, Nimbuzz is ahead of fring in terms of battery life, memory requirements, and sound quality. But the world of mobile VoIP and chat spins fast, so stay tuned.

Nimbuzz:
• Nimbuzz

Nimbuzz alternatives:
• fring
• Talkonaut (Talkonaut doesn't do Skype)